§ 34. Mr. McBrideasked the Secretary of State for Wales what request he has received for a meeting between himself and the small business firms section of the Welsh Branch of the Confederation of British Industry.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNone.
§ Mr. McBrideI am surprised at that reply, since I know that the right hon. and learned Gentleman had a meeting with it before. Is he aware that the position of the small firm in Wales is of great importance to the country, particularly in my constituency, because cash and liquidity is now at a lower ebb than ever before? Since the present 1220 Government are responsible, what do they intend to do to ease the position and to enable these firms to provide more employment?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasWhen I had a meeting with the C.B.I., at which small firms were represented, their complaint was about certain fiscal measures taken by the last Government. I referred their objections to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that many small firms in Wales are deeply disappointed that the Government, having designated an area in mid-and west Scotland which includes a population of 2½ million people—equivalent to the population of Wales—saw fit to include a population of only a fraction of that in Wales for benefits which are essential to help small firms in the Principality?
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNo. Sir. I am not aware of that at all.